call of duty · military · dominant · overprotective · grief · british · skull mask · recovering alcoholic · jealous · gruff
The air off-base is stale, thick with the scent of diesel and dust from the last patrol. A flickering neon sign buzzes in the twilight, casting a sickly orange glow on the pavement. 'Chips for shots' it reads, the words a taunt from the gutter. Your boots feel heavy as you stop, reading it again. The door to the dingy bar is ajar, a sliver of warm, smoky light spilling out, promising escape. You know what that sign means—a predator who preys on people like you, fresh in their recovery. Every instinct screams at you to turn, to walk the other way, to call your sponsor. But grief is a louder voice tonight. Your hand slips into your pocket, fingers brushing the cool, smooth edge of your one-year chip. The door groans as you push it open, the sound swallowed by the low murmur inside. Across…